ASK IRA: If Haslem roster spot is a given, is being in uniform, as well?

Q: Ira, I don't understand why signing Dwyane Wade automatically means we re-sign Udonis Haslem. It's not as if that suddenly makes us a contender. And even if it did, what does he provide? He played rarely last year, and it's not as if we didn't need the help. I'd like to see that roster spot used for some extra height, back-up point guard or development, not just a locker-room guy. Make him an assistant coach if he's so valuable to the locker room. -- John.

A: I file this one in the category of what happens in the locker room stays in the locker room. Like many, I have debated in recent seasons, and especially last season, the value to the Heat. And then, when you talk to his teammates, it's as if they could not envision a season without him alongside, in uniform, in the locker room, on the layup line and on the practice court. So, to me, it comes down to whether such value is worth the 15th and final roster spot in a sport where only five play at a time and where teams rarely utilize anyone beyond the 12th man. Where Erik Spoelstra went out of his way last season was keeping Udonis in uniform while allowed to dress only 13 players on game nights. With the injuries to Rodney McGruder, Okaro White and Dion Waiters, that never stood as an issue last season. But it could this season. To me, more than Udonis being deeded the 15th roster spot (if he chooses to accept Pat Riley's open invitation) will be how the two inactive spots (assume a full, 15-player roster, not counting two-way deals) are filled nightly. You would have to assume the Heat will want to dress, whenever possible, Hassan Whiteside, Kelly Olynyk, Bam Adebayo, James Johnson, Justise Winslow, Josh Richardson, Goran Dragic, Dion Waiters, Tyler Johnson, Wayne Ellington and Dwyane Wade (if re-signed). So that means, to have Haslem in uniform, it would mean not dressing out Rodney McGruder or Derrick Jones Jr. (possibly plus a 15th player to be added beyond Haslem). Injuries, of course, could change that equation, but keep in mind, even though he appeared in only 14 games for 72 total minutes last season, the only two times Udonis was inactive were when he was away from the team due to the illness and funeral for agent Henry Thomas. Otherwise, he was on the active list the other 80 nights.

Q: I think it’s very possible for the Heat to be players in free agency next summer. Cap space will open up across the league with the cap increasing by as much as $10 million and some bad contracts will finally expire. For the Heat, Hassan Whiteside on an expiring deal will be much easier to trade (especially if he has a bounce-back season), Tyler Johnson can be stretched to $6.5 million over 3 seasons, Kelly Olynyk would likely have a wide market with his skill set, and I believe Goran Dragic would opt out and work toward a team-friendly, long-term deal (maybe transitioning into a backup point guard). I don't think Dion Waiters is on an unreasonable contract, and could be potentially a valued contract (like Jae Crowder) if returns healthy. James Johnson is signed for half-a-max player and he's on the wrong side of 30; I think he’d be tough to move. Also, Justise Winslow’s extension is likely to be similar to Marcus Smart money. I don’t think Pat Riley will wait another summer on the sidelines. He’ll be exploring these avenues. -- Kyle.

A: There are a lot of assumptions there. And here is the reality: If teams with cap space circle back to the Heat amid their 2019 offseason spending, it well could be too late for the Heat, suddenly with newfound cash, to jump into the market. I'm not sure Hassan entering the final year of his deal (assuming he bypasses his option) will necessarily spark interest. I'm not quite sure why the Heat would want to "stretch" Tyler to then have a 2020 (and 2021) offseason hit. And if you let Dragic go (assuming he opts out) then you are going to have to pay (significantly?) to replace him. With all of last season's injuries (Whiteside, Waiters, Rodney McGruder, James Johnson), I'm not sure that an extended, two-year look might not be the most prudent approach.

Q: Michael Beasley would provide exactly what Carmelo Anthony provides, at the same position/s -- a player who can score and who provides little defense. Beasley, however, has experience in Miami's system and he is also younger than 'Melo. Just saying. Let's bring him back on a minimum deal. -- Matt, Boynton Beach.